Rising since 1988, #1,145 for boys today.
Popularity of Kenan since 1947
Babies named Kenan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 52 |
| 1960s | 107 |
| 1970s | 258 |
| 1980s | 350 |
| 1990s | 770 |
| 2000s | 1,045 |
| 2010s | 1,104 |
| 2020s | 949 |
Meaning & origin
Kenan is a biblical name with deep roots in the Hebrew tradition, appearing in the genealogies of Genesis. In the U.S., it was first recorded in 1947 and has experienced a notable resurgence since 1988, with its peak year in 2024. The name is currently given to about 1 in 9,283 boys, ranking 1,145th. It is most popular in Connecticut, Michigan, and North Carolina, reflecting a modest but dedicated following among parents seeking a classic yet uncommon biblical choice.
Kenan is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Book of Genesis as a descendant of Adam through Seth. The name is derived from the Hebrew root קנה (qanah), meaning 'to acquire, possess, or buy.' In the genealogical lists, Kenan is the father of Mahalalel and an ancestor of Noah. The name has been used among Jewish and Christian communities for centuries, though it has seen limited but consistent use in the United States since the mid-20th century.
Where Kenan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kenan” around the world
Where Kenan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
215
babies in 2024
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ken, Kenny
Sibling names for Kenan
Names that share Kenan's style, for a brother or sister.
